A DRUMMER performing at the screening of a football match in a Dublin nightclub split a customer's head open with a head-butt when the man complained about the noise, it has been alleged.

Robson Saquetti (38), had been hired to create a "stadium atmosphere" at the event when he allegedly attacked the man (61), leaving him "covered in blood".

Judge William Hamill said he had to consider the evidence before making a decision and adjourned the case at Dublin District Court.

Mr Saquetti, of North Circular Road, is pleading not guilty to assault causing harm to Terence Grant at the D2 Nightclub, Harcourt Hotel on June 14, 2014.

The court heard a match between two South American teams was being televised and Mr Grant was there with his sons and nephews when the accused came in with a drum, which he set up and began beating three feet away.

Mr Grant said when he spoke to him, Mr Saquetti said: "enjoy yourself."

"I said I would if he would move away. With that, he called me a stupid Irishman," Mr Grant said.

He said he bent down to move the drum away and alleged Mr Saquetti head-butted him. His forehead was split open and bleeding.

A member of staff put plaster stitches on the cut to close it up. He did not need further medical attention.

Cross-examined by defence solicitor Murrough O'Rourke, he denied being drunk and aggressive or that he "started this". He denied kicking the drums.

In evidence the accused claimed: "He said he was going stick the sticks in my eyes."

"I just said enjoy … I said don't be stupid, Irishman. He stood up and put his face into my face and kicked the drums."

Asked if his head went against the victim's head, he said: "I think so."

Judge Hamill said: "If it was self-defence then proportionality comes into it."